LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. 

Shelf jfc 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



jf m * $ /C? 



A HISTORY 



. OP THE 




IN 



CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND. 




OXFORD, PA. 
"OXFORD PRESS" BOOK AXD JOB OFFICE. 
1872. - 
o» 




Lewisville, Sept. 4th, 1872. 

Rev. J. H. Johns, 

Dear Sir— The undersigned Committee appointed by 
the Trustees of the Rock Presbyterian Church, respectfully request for pub 
lication your discourse delivered at the re-dedication of the church, on the 4th 
of July last. 

Respectfully, 

C. C. Brokaw, 
Charles Ramsay, 
S. W. Morrison. 



Zion, Sept. 6th, 1872. 
C. C. Brokaw, Charles Ramsay, S. W. Morrison, 

Gentlemen — In compliance 
with your request, I herewith submit for your disposal the historical dis- 
course referred to in your letter of the 4th instant. 

Respectfully, 

J. H. Johns. 



HISTORY. 



History embalms the past, it collects the prominent events, cus- 
toms, characters and valuable experience of its times, carefully 
wraps them in suitable drapery and lays them away in the archives 
of the nation for preservation. Ancient Egypt excelled in the art of 
embalming, and shrunk from no toil or expense deemed necessary to 
preserve the memory of its national glory. It carved deep in durable 
rocks, it built the most substantial monuments, it embalmed the 
bodies of its dead in the most imperishable method, and it collected 
the grandest library of ancient times. The Alexandrian library num- 
bered seven hundred thousand volumes, embracing among other 
treasures the riches of Grecian and Roman literature. War and 
fanaticism destroyed it. The loss was irreparable, and has ever since 
been deplored by the civilized world. There is nothing in ancient 
Egypt that we admire more than her skill and success in embalming 
the past. Would that her spirit had ever been more prevalent. It is 
the duty of every people to preserve for the benefit and satisfaction 
of unborn generations the history of their times. A little care in 
recording facts and providing for the safety of records would invest 
the story of the past with much more interest, and greatly facilitate 
the labors and enhance the pleasure of historians. The early history 
of many of our Presbyterian churches is sadly defective, because of 
the scarcity of records. There seems to hav^ been a prejudice against 
church records, and hence for the greater pait of a century we have 
but few facts furnished on which to base reliable histories. We are 
gratified to find the spirit of historical research awakening, and hope 
that ere long every possible effort will be made to wrest from oblivion 
what little information remains respecting the origin and work of our 
early churches. It is with this object in view that we have for some 
years, and from every available source, been collecting the material 
for an historical sketch of the Rock Church. This church is entitled 
to a history, for it is a century and a half old, — has accomplished a 
noble work for a noble cause, and has lived a greatly diversified life. 
My hearers, such a history should possess a peculiar interest for many 



4 



of you. This is the church of your ancestors. — the religious home of 
your forefathers, where they, as faithful children, assembled weekly 
to pay their homage to their Heavenly Father. This is the spiritual 
fountain of living waters, where their souls, thirsting for righteous- 
ness, drank to thirst no more. x This institution was in faith and prayer 
founded by them in the hope that it would bless, as the Gospel alone 
can bless, their decendants " until time shall be no longer." The 
original settlers of this region were Scotch Presbyterians who had 
been driven by persecution and oppression from Scotland to Ireland, 
and from Ireland to America. They commenced migrating to this 
country about the beginning of the eighteenth century. The chief 
landing places were Philadelphia and New-Castle, and from these 
centres they scattered throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania, and as far south as North Carolina. They were a resolute, 
determined people, who had principles and dared maintain them, who 
had a religious faith, and for it would endure any suffering and incur 
any sacrifice. In this wild wilderness of America, they sought reli- 
gious freedom and found it. Though widely scattered from each 
other, we soon hear of them erecting meeting-houses, and travelling 
many miles for the purpose of worshipping the living God. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE ROCK CHURCH. 

In the spring of 1720 we find no Presbyterian church in Cecil Co., 
Md., nearer than Bohemia Manor, none in Delaware nearer than 
White-Clay-Creek, and none in Chester Co., Penna., nearer than the 
Great Valley. The scattered people had been occasionally visited by 
ministers of the Gospel, but they yearned and longed to have u the 
Gospel settled among them." Preachers were scarce and the people 
poor, and it was both difficult to secure and to support a minister. But 
at a meeting of New-Castle Presbytery, May 18th, 1720, we find the 
following record : " A certain number of people lately come from Ire- 
land, having settled about the branches of Elk river, have by Thos. 
Reed and Thos. Caldwell their commissioners supplicated this Presby- 
tery, that, at what time this Presbytery think convenient, they would 
appoint one of their number to come and preach among them, and 
then to take such notice of their circumstances and necessities, as, by 
his report made to this Presbytery at their next session, the Presby- 
tery may the more clearly know how to countenance their design of 
having the Gospel settled among them. The said commissioners hav- 
ing subjected themselves to the care of this Presbytery, the Presbytery 
took the affair into consideration, and in compliance with the above- 
said supplication, the Presbytery do appoint Mr. Samuel Young to 
preach one da,y among said people, between this and the first day of 
July next, and to take cognizance of their circumstances, and to make 
report thereof to our next session." At the next meeting of Presby- 
tery, June 28th, 1720, Mr. Young reported : " That he had fulfilled the 



5 



appointment of our last Presbytery with respect to the people of Elk 
river, and after a serious inspection and inquiry into that affair, he 
judged that said people will in a short time, be capable to maintain a 
minister of the Gospel among them. Whereupon appeared here from 
the above-said Elk-river people two commissioners, name of fames 
Smith and Thomas Sharp, with a letter of thanks to the Presbytery, 
and a petition wherein they supplicate to be formed into a congrega- 
tion, and to have supplies of preaching from this Presbytery. Pres- 
bytery having deliberately considered said petition, it was put to the 
vote whether or not they should be erected into a congregation, and 
it was carried in the affirmative. " From the tenor of these records 
we should judge the societ}^ when organized to have been a very fee- 
ble affair. At the birth of the feeble child, who thought that it would 
live for 152 years ? 

supplies, 1720-24. 

The first supplies to the church appointed by Presbytery were 
Robert Cross, of New-Castle, and George Gillespie, of White-Clay- 
Creek. 

Robert Cross was born in Ireland. 1689, came to this country a Pro- 
bationer, and was settled pastor of New-Castle, September 19th, 1719. 
He did not receive a sufficient support from that people, and after four 
years was called to Jamaica, Long Island. He was pastor of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia for more than twenty years. He 
died in 1700. 

George Gillespie was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America 
a Probationer. He was ordained and installed pastor of White-Clay 
Creek May 28th, 1713; preached a great deal in neighboring churches, 
especially at Elk-river. He organized the congregation at the Head 
of Christiana, and served it until his death, January 2d, 1760, aged 77 
years. He was an active Presbyter, a godly man, and his ministry 
was both long and fruitful. His decendants are numerous throughout 
this region. 

The Rev. Samuel Young is the first preacher mentioned in connection 
with this congregation. He was from Donaghmore, County Down, 
Ireland, and a member of the Presbytery of Armagh. He was re- 
ceived into the Synod of Philadelphia, September 23d, 1718, and was 
appointed by New-Castle Presbytery to supply Drawyer's Church, 
Del. The Elk-river people gave him a call, Sept. 27th, 1720, which 
he declined to accept. He preached at Drawyer's, and died before 
June 6th, 1721. He left a widow. 

Rev. Daniel McGill Avas called to Elk-river in 1721, and preached 
here for nearly two years without accepting the call. He was a native 
of Scotland, joined the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1713, and be 
came pastor of Upper-Marlborough, on the Patuxent river, western 
shore of Maryland. He left Marlborough 1720, and in 1721 we find- 



6 



him preaching in this locality. The great difficulty in the way of his 
settlement here was the inability of the people to pav the salary the}?- 
promised. The Kev. Robert Cross was sent here by Presbytery to 
stir up the people on this question, and the salary was paid up. Mr. 
McGill again considered the call, but after a time, the salary not be- 
ing paid, he declined its acceptance, and acted as a supply to many of 
the vacant churches. He died February 10th, 1724, at his home in 
London-Tract. Del. He was a learned man, a valuable member of 
Synod, and much admired as a preacher. He was austere in his man- 
ner and sulky in his disposition. While preaching here, the following 
advertisement appeared : 

" 1722. Ran away Irom the Rev. D. McGill, a servant clothed with 
damask breeches and black broadcloth vest, broadcloth coat of cop- 
per color, lined and trimmed with black, and wearing black stockings." 

The Rev. Thomas Craighead received the next call. He was born in 
Ireland. After preaching ten or twelve years in Ireland he came to 
New-England, and labored at Freetown, Mass., near Fall river, from 
1715 to 1723. He joined New-Castle Presbytery January 28th, 1724, 
and was called to Elk-river in May of the same year, but declined. 
He went to White-Clay-Creek. In 1723 he went to Pequea, Lancaster 
Co., Pa.; September 7th, 1726, he went to Hopewell, and in 1738, 
after preaching a sermon and pronouncing the benediction, he dropped 
dead in the pulpit. These four years must have been full of disap- 
pointment and discouragement to the infant church. Three ministers 
have been called and all have declined. 

The Rev. Alexander Hutcheson, a Probationer from Ireland, became 
pastor of Bohemia Church in 1723. That church was feeble, and he 
spent much time preaching to other congregations. He was one of 
the chief supplies of Elk-iiver until they obtained a pastor, and was 
a valuable minister of the Gospel. He died in October, 1766. The 
church is four years old and still without a pastor, but it perseveres in 
its erTorts to secure one, and is at length rewarded with success. 

THE FIRST PASTORATE, 1724-1739. 

Joseph Houston came from Ireland to New-England a probationer, 
preached a few months at Freetown, Mass., was received by Presby- 
tery of New-Castle July 29th, 1724, and appointed to supply the 
Elk-river church. September 14th, Robert Linton and Andrew Steel, 
commissioners for the congregation, presented him a call. This he 
considered until Presbytery met at Christiana, October 6th, when he 
accepted it. The commissioners, Robert Finney, Roger Lawson and 
Andrew Steel, requested that his ordination might be hastened, show- 
ing their eagerness to have a pastor. Hence October 15, 1724, he 
was ordained and installed. The records of Presbytery relating to 
that event are interesting, and we shall present them. " A procla- 
mation being made three times at the door of the meeting-house by 



Mr. Alexander Hutcheson, that if any person had anything to object 
against the ordination of Mr. Joseph Houston, they should make it 
known to the Presbytery now sitting ; and no objection being made, 
they proceeded towards his ordination, and accordingly he was sol- 
emnly set apart to the work of the ministry, with fasting, 'prayer, and 
imposition of the hands of the Presbytery. Mr. Thomas Craighead 
preached the- sermon and presided." Thus began the first pastorate 
in this church, which continued for fifteen years. It musl have been 
successful, although we know it was at times very discordant. In 1726 
there was a violent strife among the members about seats. The mat- 
ter was at last referred to Presbytery for settlement, and the following 
action was taken : " The Presbytery, hearing the mind of the major 
part of the congregation, Ordered that the minister's seat be next on 
the right hand of the pulpit; Ordered, that Robert Finney have the 
seat before William Hoge's, paying said William Hoge for his ex- 
pense in building and dividing it; or the next to the minister's, laid 
out for Andrew Steel, as Robert Finney shall please to make choice, 
and in case he choose the last, then Andrew ISteel ma} 7 have the first. 
Ordered, that Abraham Emmet, Sr., and Roger Lawson exchange 
seats, and ir any difficulty be in the value of the seats, that they ac- 
commodate the same in a friendly and christian manner." We hear 
no more of this trouble, but the same year another arose of still 
greater magnitude and violence, respecting the organization of the 
present New London congregation. Robert Finney, with many others, 
lived many miles from the Elk-river church, and were anxious to have 
a church organized nearer them, in the neighborhood of New London. 

Mr. Houston and the Maryland part of his congregation stoutly op- 
posed this movement, because another church so near would weaken 
their own, and because some of those belonging to the new enterprise 
had refused to pay off their arrears ot salary. This war between the 
two congregations was waged in Presbytery and Synod for four years. 
However, the persistent New London people received a separate 
organization, May 26th, 1728. Mr. Houston assisted in supplying 
many of the churches of Presbytery. His name appears in the 
earliest records we have of Lower-West-Nottingham : "March 23d, 
1725, Ordered that Mr. Houston supply the people at the mouth of 
Octoraro the fifth Sabbath of May, and Mr. Thomas Evans the third 
Sabbath of April." The original name of that congregation was 
Mouth of Octoraro. Mr. Houston was moderator of the Synod of 
Philadelphia, September 19th, 1733, and for a long time stated clerk 
of Presbytery. He seems to have been a most active, faithful worker 
for the cause of souls. In 1739 he left this cnurch for some unknown 
reason, and was installed pastor of the Goodwill Presbyterian Church 
of Orange county, New York, before May, 1740. He died in October, 
1740, aged 48 years. His descendants are still found in Orange county, 



8 



N.Y. He died poor, judging from the fact that his bond was remitted 
by Synod, in 1740, in favor of his widow and family. 

the schism, 1741-61. 

After Mr. Houston left, the church was dependent on supplies for 
four more years. During this time it became divided into two distinct 
congregations, called the Old-Side and the New-Side. In 1741 there 
was a great schism in the Presbyterian church throughout this country, 
the result of the revival of religion that attended the labors of White- 
field. The excitement ran high, and many unwise things were said 
and done by all parties. Criminations and recriminations brought 
about a most serious and uncalled-for division, that lasted for seven- 
teen years. Many of our already feeble churches were divided. A 
portion of the Elk-river people went off with the New-Side, and 
formed a separate organization. 

The Old-Side Congregation. — This church, in 1743, having been four 
years without a pastor, and two years rent asunder, did not present a 
very inviting field of labor to any minister. It was a period of dark- 
ness and deep anxiety to its friends. But God sent them that very 
year one of his most valuable servants, the Rev. Alexander McDowel, 
who became their second pastor. The McDowel family came from 
Ireland, and settled on the Burden Tract, Ya., 1737. Mr. McDowell 
appeared in Donegal Presbytery, Sept. 4th, 1739, and was licensed by 
it July 30th, 1740, and sent to supply several congregations in Vir- 
ginia and Maryland. He was ordained, October 29th, 1741, to go as 
an evangelist to Virginia, and in the Fall was directed to itinerate in 
New-Castle Presbytery. Several churches asked for his services, and 
among them the Elk-river. He was a supply, or pastor, of West-Not- 
tingham in 1742, and in 1743 he took charge of Elk-river — the Old-Side 
congregation. For seventeen years he faithfully performed the duties 
of pastor to this people. He was a man of more than ordinary mental 
abilities, an excellent scholar, and a laborious educator. He took a 
conspicuous pa^t in the actions of both Presbytery and Synod. In 
1747 he was the moderator of Synod. While the Synods of New York 
and Philadelphia were deliberating the question of reunion, in Phila- 
delphia, 1758, Mr. McDowel was the bearer of a message from his 
Synod to that of New York. He was an active member of the asso- 
ciation founded in Synod for raising funds for the support of ministers' 
widows. For many years he had charge of an academy, and both 
taught and preached. He resigned his charge of this congregation in 
1760, asked for his dismission from New-Castle Presbytery, and it was 
granted. Whether he ever united with any other Presbytery we do 
not know, as he rejoined New-Castle Presbytery during the meeting 
of Synod, May, 176L He never again became a settled pastor, but 
continued to supply many of the vacancies in the Presbytery. He left 
this locality for Newark, Del., in 1767, and for several years was 



9 



Principal of Newark Academy. He died January 12th, 1782, and was 
most probably buried in the stone graveyard, Lewisville, Chester Go., 
Pa., where repose the remains of his wife and son. The following 
epitaph is from a slab covering their tomb : " Here rests what was 
mortal of Mrs. Anne, the wife of the Rev. Alexander McDowel, emi- 
nent for her early piety, native modesty, sweetness of temper and 
suitable conduct in every situation. Who was born July 14th, 1725, 
and interred July 14th, 1751. And of Thomas their son, who was 
interred December 20th, 1750, aged 5 years." 

The New-Side Congregation, organized 1741, seems to have had no 
regular pastor for eleven years, but only occasional supplies. In 1752, 
the Rev. James Finley was ordained and installed their pastor. They 
were unable to give a minister a competent support, but, under Mr. Fin- 
ley, they became united with the Head of Elk, as the church at Elk- 
ton was then called. The Records furnish the following actions of 
Presbytery in reference to this union : 

" October 15th, 1760. Ordered, that the congregation of East Not- 
tingham previously take means to satisfy the Presbytery whether they 
are able to support Mr. Finley, independent of the Head of Elk ; and 
if an}' other adjacent congregations have any objections, it is* ordered 
that they be then brought in." kk Dec. 18th, 1760. Judge, that the 
union between the congregation of the Head of Elk and East Not- 
ingham be dissolved, and consequently that the Head of Elk is to be 
looked upon as a vacancy." 

In 1761, Elk-river and East-Notiingham congregations, after nearly 
twenty years separation, became one again, under the pastoral care 
of Mr. Finley. They did not unite as readily as some of the divided 
churches, and, judging from the delay, there must have been consider- 
able opposition to the reunion. But, through the influence and 
persuasion of Mr. McDowel, and the force of poverty, they at length 
reunited, without any formal action. 

THE UNITED CHURCH UNDER MR. FINLEY, 1761-1783. 

The Rev. James Finley was born in County Armagh, Province of 
Ulster, Ireland, February, 1725, and was of Scotch parentage. When 
nine years old, he landed with his parents at Philadelphia, September 
28th, 1734. He was educated at Fagg's Manor school, under the care 
of the Rev. Samuel Blair, and afterwards of the Rev. Mr. Smith. In 
early life he was the subject of Divine grace; was at Fagg's Manor 
during the greal revival of 1740, and travelled hundreds of miles with 
Whitetield for the benefit of his society, and most probably studied 
theology with his brother, Rev. Samuel Finley, of West Nottingham. 
He was settled over the New-Side party of this congregation in 1752, 
and for nine years the two brothers were pastors of these contiguous 
charges. Mr. Finley's ministry was successful. He labored diligently 
to build up the church; was a conscientious, firm, fearless man, emi- 



10 



nent in piety, and a devoted, excellent pastor. He spent much time 
going from house to house, teaching and catechising the young and 
old. His people were strongly attached to him, and did not permit 
him to leave in 1783, until they had done everything in their power 
to retain him. As early as 1765, he and Philip Tanner, one of his 
elders, went west to " see the lands." A few years after, the Synod 
of Philadelphia sent him into Western Pennsylvania, to missionate 
for at least two months. He had a family of six boys, and wished to 
settle them in that new country. He bought a farm in Fayette Co., 
Pa., and in 1772 placed his son^Kbenezer, then a youth of fourteen 
years, in charge of it. Some four years afterwards this son was hotly 
pursued by some Indians, and with great difficulty escaped death at 
their hands. Mr. Finley was at home, 300 miles east of the scene, and 
said that he was strangely impressed one day that his son's life was 
in great danger. He knelt down and prayed and prayed, and afler a 
time arose, feeling that the danger was over. Ebenezer soon came 
East, and he and his father, by comparing notes, found that while the 
son was being pursued by the Indians, his father was on his knees 
praying for him ! Mr. Finley applied for a dismission from Presby- 
tery in 1777, in order to go West with his family ; but his congregation 
and Presbytery positively refusing to let him go, he consented to stay. 
Still there was a field of usefulness for him in that country, and he 
longed to be with them. In 1782 he again applies for his dismission, 
and still his people protested, and Presbytery refused to grant it. As 
the records relating to this matter are of so much interest, we shall 
present them in full. 

Mr. Finley's Request.—" Finding his congregation weak, and 
looking on this as an additional call to provide for himself and family 
elsewhere, had, some years ago, procured land to the westward on 
easy terms— that several of his children had removed thither, and 
others were inclinable to follow, and that he thought it his duty to 
to endeavor to be near them, and that though he is sorry to leave a 
people he has long lived in harmony with, yet thinks it will be his 
duty, if not removed now, to give up with his charge in a few years ; 
but when it must be much more inconvenient, if not an insurmount- 
able task to remove. That he thinks there is a more rational prospect 
of his being more useful elsewhere than here, and that the minis- 
ters where he proposes to remove are such as that he can with sing- 
ular satisfaction join with in laboring to promote the kingdom of 
Christ ; for which reasons he begged to be released from his present 
charge. 

P. S. That when he accepted a call from part of the present united 
congregation of Elk, he made it a condition that his acceptance should 
not be considered as a bar in the way of his removing to the West- 
ward afterwards, if he should choose to do so. 

Mr. Thomas Sharp and Samuel Moffat, commissioners from the 



11 



congregation under Mr. Finley's care, earnestly prayed that Mr. 
I*inley may not be dismissed, for the following reasons : 

To the Rev. Presbytery of New-Castle, sitting at Elk Meeting-house, the 
23d and 2Wi days of April, 1782. 

Rev. Fathers— As our dearly beloved Rev. Pastor, Mr. James 
Finley, hath applied to you for a dismission from his congregation, 
and offered his reasons for his request, which he has favored us with 
a copy of; we, his auditory, constituents of said congregation do, in 
the most humble manner, lay before you our objections and reasons 
against his obtaining an absolute dismission, viz: 

1st. Because we are both able and willing to give him a competent 
and comfortable support, and earnestly desire to render his life as 
happy as we can ; and because it appears evident to us that the pro- 
vision he has made, together with that he may make, under his pres- 
ent circumstances, for himself and family, by the blessing of God, 
sufficient. His lands to the Westward were procured on easy terms, 
and there are few families in these parts so well provided for ; and 
besides there is a prospect of a further enlargement to this congrega- 
tion, provided he continues in it. 

2d. We readily grant that natural affection is an incumbent duty on 
all parents toward their children, and doubt not that such affection 
leads him to be near his children, who have removed to the West- 
ward ; but we think that those his affections as a parent can by no 
means stand in competition with his ministerial charge over, and care 
of, the souls in this congregation, as a pastor. 

3d. Although he may fail, and in a few years be unfit to undergo 
all the fatigues of his ministerial labors, yet, notwithstanding, we are 
willing still to adhere to, and abivle by, him as our pastor, without di- 
minishing aught of his ordinary provision. Judging it right to parti- 
cipate and bear with his age and infirmities, seeing we have enjoyed 
the benefit of his youth and vigor ; nor is there any just ground for 
him to dread being involved in any insurmountable difficulties arising 
from his continuance here, for we will succor him during his life, and 
finally bury his remains carefully in the silent dust. 

4th. As to the probability of his being more useful elsewhere, this 
we conceive ought to be weighed with the great desolations and 
darkness that will as probably take place amongst us in consequence 
of this removal. This is more than probable, for it seems evident to 
us ; and such an evil ought not to be promoted here that a probable 
good may be effected elsewhere. Who knows how soon the showers 
of grace may descend on this, indeed, almost barren vineyard, and 
cause it to bud and blossom as a rose, and bear much fruit and crown 
his labors with blessings, even here in this parched soil. Alas! the 
laborers in God's vineyard in this part of the country are few. In 



12 



twenty miles around there are only two pastors to administer seal- 
ing ordinances, and where are the candidates? 

5th. We are glad that our pastor is so well pleased with those min- 
isters to the Westward, because he can the more cheerfully commit 
the spiritual concerns of his children there to their care, and as to 
their temporal concerns, he can as readily commit that to Divine Pro- 
vidence. These considerations may afford him sufficient satisfaction 
and content of mind in their absence. And we rejoice to hear that 
the wild world inclines to reform, and are blessed with faithful watch- 
men ; but it would still be an additional joy and comfort to us if Mr. 
Finley could obtain such singular satisfaction in union with the 
ministers here as he expects to enjoy with those to the Westward, 
in the government of Christ's kingdom ; the which we believe he 
does not, — the cause of which is known to this Rev. Presbytery, as 
we suppose, and the remedy in their power to apply. 

6th and lastly. Mr. Finley mentions a condition made when he ac- 
cepted a call from part of this congregation, viz : That his acceptance 
should not be considered as a bar in the way ol his removing to the 
Westward afterwards, if he should choose to do so. As to this we 
observe : that it is customary and necessary, in the very nature of 
contracts, that each party contracting hear and understand all the 
terms and conditions on which they agree. But this congregation of 
Elk have not heard of that condition mentioned by Mr. Finley, until 
the time he applied for a dismission. Ergo, &c. There was no inti- 
mation of it at the time he was ordained to this congregation, nor did 
the Rev. Presbytery loose Mr. Finley from his first charge, and install 
him to the congregation again, when it was enlarged by the union of 
another part; nay, they countenanced the union, and looked upon 
the people who came in, as being under the same obligations to Mr. 
Finley as nis first people, and he under the same to them ; and to 
suppose Mr. Finley engaged to one part, and at liberty to desert from 
the other part at any time he chose, does not to us seem very 
consistent ; and the one part coming in and taking him for their pas- 
tor also, could not weaken nor alter his first engagements. If Mr. 
Finley proposed this condition to the Rev. Presbytery, and if it was 
accepted of by them their minutes will show ; — but how the Rev. 
Presbytery could dispense with such a condition, or pass the same 
without the approbation of, or even without any intimation thereof 
being given to, this congregation, we must leave to the Rev. Presby- 
tery themselves to demonstrate. And may the Eternal Spirit of Truth 
lead you into all Truth, and out of all error, that ye may all speak 
the same thing, and be of the same mind, and of the same judgment. 
Amen." 

From the action of Presbytery he appealed to Synod, and had it 
set aside. He took his family West in the Spring of 1783, but Eew- 



Castle Presbytery never dismissed him until 1785, when, June 1st, he 
was received by Old-Redstone Presbytery. He became pastor of 
Rehoboth and Round-Hill congregations, which he had organized 
daring his previous visits to Western Pennsylvania. These two 
churches still exist, are nine miles apart, and in a prosperous condi- 
tion. He continued their pastor for twelve years, until his decease, 
January 6th, 1795, aged 70 years. His last words were an exhor- 
tation to his children to attend above all to the interests, of their 
souls, that were of infinite worth. It is said he was the first minister 
of the Gospel, except army chaplains, that ever set foot on Western 
soil. He was a short, fat man, with a ruddy countenance, and nerv- 
ous, rapid movements. A small bequest was left by him to Jefferson 
College, to aid in educating pious young men for the ministry. He 
married a Miss Hannah Evans, daughter of Robert Evans, and sister 
of Captain John Evans, who owned the rolling-mill property east of 
Cherry-Hill. Mr. Finley owned and resided on the White-Hall pro- 
perty, near Andora. He was one of seven sons, and the father of 
seven sons. His son James Finley, Jr., was interred at Sharp's 
graveyard, 1722, aged 5 years, over whose grave still stands a small 
tombstone. Another son, John Evans Finley, became a preacher of 
the Gospel. A grandson, the Rev. Robert M. Fitiley, still lives in 
Wooster, Ohio. We have been thus minute respecting Mr. Finley, 
feeling it due to the memory of such a godly, useful man, who for 
more than 30 years faithfully preached the Word in this community. 

A VACANCY FOR TWENTY-SIX YEARS. 1783-1809. 

Mi. Finley left about the close of the Revolution. The people were 
impoverished and demoralized, and the national currency depreciated 
by the protracted struggle. The land was poor and unproductive, and 
the new lands of the West became about this time a great attraction. 
Multitudes went West. For these and other reasons, the churches 
were in great straits, and unabfe to secure or support pastors. This 
church had its full share of the trials of the times. Mr. Finley was 
popular, and when he went West many of his people followed him. 
Presbytery still continued to send supplies. Often they had no 
preaching for months at a time, and in 1795 we have no record of any 
supply to this pulpit. Still the organization lived, and made repeated 
efforts to secure a pastor. 

The Rev. John Burton, a licentiate from Scotland, was taken under 
the care of Xew-Castle Presbytery, June 14th, 1785, and appointed a 
.stated >upply to this church, and in October was called to become its 
pastor. The following note was his response to that call : " My 
grateful acknowledgments are due to this congregation for their 
favorable opinion of me, and the unanimity they have showed in giv- 
ing me a call to be their pastor. My wish is, that they and I be further 
acquainted. I declare my willingness to labor statedly among them 



14 



till your next meeting of Presbytery, in April, and go through the 
congregation in a course of visitation and examination. And that 
they have their choice to give, or not to give, a call to me then, and I 
my choice to accept or refuse ; that this call be lodged with the Trus- 
tees of the congregation till that time, and that they will pay accord- 
ing to their subscriptions, for the time intervening." Having preached 
for them nearly a year, he declined their call, and accepted one to St. 
George's, Del. After laboring there more than eight years, without 
ever being installed, he returned that call to Presbytery, October 8th, 
1794. The next spring he went to Lewes Presbytery, and was called 
to Lewes, December 11th, 1797. We do not know that he was ever 
installed over that charge. In 1805 he returned to New-Castle Pres- 
bytery, and continued to supply various churches. He died in Wil- 
mington, 1825, and was buried at St. George's, Del. He was an ex- 
cellent linguist and theologian, was frank and outspoken, and noted 
for his eccentricities. Mr. Burton had a little farm advertised for 
sale. A certain party went to buy it, when he told them, " It was a 
wet, sorry soil, and they would starve on it." He was so absent- 
minded as to often drive home other people's conveyances, so that his 
parishoners had to see him safely away from church. 

The Rev. Francis Hindman received a call from this congregation 
and that of New-London, in 1790, but Presbytery refused to place 
the call in his hands until the difficulty with the Lewes Presbytery 
about his licensure was adjusted. A decided opposition to his instal- 
lation, by apart of this congregation, prevented him from ever be- 
coming its pastor, although he supplied the pulpit for about a year. 

The Rev. John E. Latta was the next to receive a united call, in 
April, 1800, from this church and that of New-London. About the 
same time he received and accepted a call to New-Castle, Del., where 
he was a faithful pastor until his death, in 1824. He was the father- 
in-law of the Rev. R. P. DuBois. 

The Rev. Samuel Leacock acted as stated supply to this people for 
four years. He was received by Presbytery of Philadelphia, October 
22d, 1794, as a foreign minister, from the Lancashire Association of 
Independent Ministers of Great Britain. On Nov. 13th, he was ap- 
pointed to supply the Pittsgrove church, Pa., to which congregation 
he was called, April 22d, and installed pastor Aug. 12th, 1795. After 
three years a difficulty arose in his church, and the pastoral relation 
was dissolved. Sept. 24th, 1799, he sits as corresponding member of 
New-Castle Presbytery, and, April 2d, 1800, presents his certificate 
from Presbytery of Philadelphia. In the fall of that year he became 
stated supply to this church, and continued with it in that capacity 
until 1804. While here he resided at Spring-Lawn Mills. Sept. 25th. 
1804, he was dismissed to Oneida Presbytery, Central New- York. 

The Rev. John Waugh was the chief supply from 1804 to 1806. Dur- 
ing 1805, he gave one-half his time to this people, and the other haJf 



15 



to White-Clay Creek. He was licensed Sept. 30, 1801, and ordained 
April 2d, 1806, at a meeting of Presbytery in this church. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Piatt, the daughter of Dr. Piatt, of Newark, Del. 
His chief work was teaching, and for a number of years he was the 
Principal of Newark Academy. He died Dec. 15th, 1806. 

A PASTORATE OF TWENTY-SIX YEARS, 1809-1835. 

The Rev. Robert Graham came from Western Pennsylvania, a licen- 
tiate of Carlisle Presbytery, and accepted a call to the New-London 
and Eock congregations, Sept. 12th. 1808. He was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor, Dec. 13th, 1809. The Hock only received one-third of 
his time. Mr. Graham was a medium-sized man, black hair, blind of 
one eye ; agreeable in address, and had many warm friends. He was 
a fair preacher, a faithful pastor, an active temperance advocate, and 
a friend of progress. The church was greatly benefitted by his la- 
bors. About a year before his death he was thrown out of his car- 
riage, and received an injury from which he never recovered. He 
died at his residence, two miles northwest of New-London, Nov. 5th, 
1835, and left a large, but short-lived, family, that now sleep with him 
the sleep of death, at New-London. 

SUPPLIES FOR SIX YEARS, 1835-1841. 

New-London declining to unite again in the support of a pastor, 
the Rock found it difficult to obtain a preacher, and for six years was 
chiefly dependent ou supplies from Presbytery. 

The Rev. Andrew Jardine was born Feb. 25th, 1785, in Parish of 
South Dean, Scotland. His parents were Thomas Jardine and Janet 
Oliver, both pious members of the Established Kirk. When a child 
he was struck by lightning, and his eyes were severely injured for 
some years. He early desired to preach the Gospel, but his parents 
were too poor to educate him. He spent half a lifetime farming, 
tending sheep, and teaching school, in his efforts to acquire an educa- 
tion. While in the Edinburg University, he taught a classical school, 
and was secretary of the Scottish Bible Society. Having been licensed 
in 1832 by Presbytery of New-Castle in England, he was supply for 
six months at Felton, England. In 1834, a Dr. Rose gathered a colo- 
ny in Jedburgh, Scotland, for America, and invited Mr. Jardine to 
become its pastor. He was ordained in England, Aug. 5th, 1834, and 
with the colony settled at Silver Lake, Penn. The colonists were 
dissatisfied, and soon scattered. Mr. Jardine left and joined Presby- 
tery of Philadelphia, April, 1836. The next year he came to this 
locality, and was for nearly three years stated supply of the Rock 
church. From this place he went for a short time to Durham church, 
Bucks c ounty Penn., and then for eighteen months to Port Carbon, 
and finally became pastor of Middle Tuscarora, Juniata county, Pa., 
where he remained for sixteen years. In the early part of that pas- 



16 



torate his labors were wonderfully blessed. The people were from 
Scotland, and he was adapted to the field. The church at one time 
had five hundred members. Old age, and a severe attack of fever 
impaired his powers ; the old people died, the young were dissatis- 
fied with him, and the church asked Presbytery for a dissolutiou of the 
pastoral relation, which was granted. He afterwards supplied Mt. 
Pleasant, Clearfield co., Pa., for a few months, and in 1858, went to East 
Maine, Brown county, New York, and there lived with his cousin, 
Wm. Hogg, until his death from old age, June 17th, 1868. He never 
married. Mr. Jardine was an excellent scholar, a good pastor, a solid 
but dry, tedious preacher ; was neither a bright nor great, but a 
good man. He was not suited to this field, and the church declined 
under his ministry. Jl^- 

Rev. Abraham, DeHbitt was born Dec. 2d, 1798, in Warren co., N. J., 
educated at Easton, Pa., Bloomfield, N. J., and Princeton Semi- 
nary, was licensed Oct. 6th, 1831, ordained as an evangelist Oct. 30th, 
1832, and sent as a Domestic Missionary, for one year, to Great Bend, 
Perm. Nov. 14th, 1834, he was installed pastor of the Lewes, Cool- 
spring and Indian-River churches, of Delaware, where he remained 
until Nov. 22d, 1838. After teaching some time at Princeton, N. J., 
he began preaching to this people, Sept. 20th, 1840, and became their 
pastor Sep. 13th, 1841. and continued in that relation until April 10th, 
1855. He married, Sep. 27th, 1832, Miss Anna, daughter of Abraham 
Terhune, Princeton, N. J. He and his wife still reside in this congre- 
gation, respected and beloved by the people with whom they have 
mingled for the last thirty years. 

Rev. Geovge Marshall was ordained and installed pastor of this 
churcjh, May 13th, 1856. He was born in Ireland about 1831, but 
received his education in this country, graduating at Union College, 
N. Y., and Princeton Seminary, N. J. Mr. Marshall possessed fine 
natural powers, had a generous, unselfish heart, a child-like trust in 
God, and an ardent love for the Master's work. Under manv difficul- 
ties and discouragements, he labored faithfully to build up the inter- 
ests of this church. He died Feb. 27th, 1861. He married Miss Bella 
Campbell, of Ireland, who died in 1864. His body, with those of his 
wife and two children, lies in Sharp's graveyard ; and his two daugh- 
ters, Lizzie and Carrie, reside with his brother, William Marshall, in 
Missouri. 

The present pastor was bora in Baltimore, Maryland, graduated at 
Princeton College and Seminary ; was licensed by New-Castle Pres- 
bytery, April 10th, 1861, and ordained and installed in this charge, 
May 6th, 1862. Since its organization in 1720, this church has had 
seven pastors, and during forty years it has been dependent on sup- 
plies. 

THE NAMES. 

Few churches have had such a variety of names. It was at first 



17 



called the New-Erection, on the branches of Elk-river, then Elk- 
river, Great Elk, Upper Elk, and Elk. During the schism from 1741 
to 1761, the Old-Side congregation was called Elk, and the New-Side 
East-Nottingham; and after the reunion in 1761, it is occasionally 
called Elk, but generally East-Nottingham. The first time that the 
name Bock appears on the records is Oct., 1787 ; then we see no more 
of Rock until 1793, from which time to the present this has been the 
only name. By an act of the General Assembly of Maryland, in 
1801, it was incorporated as "The Bock Presbyterian Church, in 
North Milford Hundred, Cecil county, State of Maryland." 

BUILDINGS. 

The first building was located at the Stone-Graveyard, Lewisville, 
Chester co., and was probably a small log hous£, with no floor, no 
fireplace, and a few small windows. In those days the people pro- 
vided their benches or pews according to their own taste and means, 
and there was no doubt a variety of the "high and low seats in the 
synagogue." In this house occurred the strife about seats, which 
was settled by Presbytery in 1725, as we have already stated. 

The second building was erected by the New-Side about 1741, at 
Sharp's Graveyard. It was a frame, covered with clap-boards, and 
was a decided advance on the original house. When the Old and New 
sides united under Mr. Finley, in 1761, they worshipped for a short 
time at Sharp's Graveyard. We know not what became of this house ; 
tradition says it was removed to the present Cleaver property, and 
converted into a barn. 

The third building was erected in 1761, by the united congregations 
under Mr. Finley. It was built of stone, and its dimensions precisely 
the same as those of the present house. It had three doors — one in 
each end, about ten feet from the east side, and one midway in the 
west side. Between the end doors was a wide aisle, running the en- 
tire length of the church, in which were the long benches or tables 
used at the communions. About the middle of the east side stood the 
massive, elaborately-carved blue pulpit, perched high up against the 
wall, with an immense sounding-board projecting overhead along the 
ceiling. A rounding stairway of ten or twelve steps ran up the pul- 
pit on the south side, while beneath the pulpit, in front, was a boxed- 
up space for the choir, which in those days consisted of one man, " the 
dark." From the pulpit to the door, in the west side, was a medium 
sized aisle, and some eight or ten feet from each end of the church, 
and running from the long aisle towards the west side, were two nar- 
row aisles. The pews rose' in amphitheatre stj'le as they approached 
the walls. The back pews along the two ends, also those along the 
west side, were high boxes, with small blue balustrades in the front. 
The pews had doors, and were without paint. The floor was made of 
plaster. The two large posts that supported the ceiling, as well as 



18 



the doors, and the window frames were, like the pulpit, painted blue. 
The architecture of that church was very common in those days. In 
1805 the building received a new roof, and at different times was re- 
paired, but in 1844 it was thoroughly remodeled and modernized. 

The fourth building. After twenty-seven years, the floor, the roof, 
and the inside generally, needed repairing. The congregation began 
the work, and kept on repairing, until to-day we enter a virtually new 
house. What a contrast between this fourth building and the first log 
house, the second clap-boarded frame one, and the antiquated third! 



For nearly one hundred years, this, church was the only place where 
the people of this entire community, for miles around, assembled to 
pay their homage to the living God. For the want of records, we 
know not how many have had their names on its roll of membership ; 
but we do know that a great multitude of such as are already saved 
and crowned in glory, here learned the way of Eternal Life. During 
Mr. Graham's ministry, we hear of two revivals — one in 1822, when 
eleven were received as members^and in 1832, when over thirty pro- 



fessed their faith. While Mr. Deffctt was pastor, eight united at one 
time, seven at another, and in twenty came out on the Lord's 
side. Mr. Marshall's heart was made glad in 1858, when twenty-three 
stood up for Jesus. During the present pastorate, this church has 
been blessed with three precious ingatherings : in 1865, twelve ; in 
1867, twenty-four, and in 1870, twenty-seven. Besides these special 
out-pourings, God's Spirit has been ever descending upon the church 
like the gentle dew, refreshing its members, and adding to it daily of 
such as are saved. The work of no church can be fully estimated, be- 
cause so much of its influence is silent and unseen ; its very presence 
restraining from evil, and awakening thoughts of God and eternity. 
For one hundred and fifty-two years this church has strengthened the 
weak, led the blind and given the oil of joy for mourning to multi- 
tudes of souls. If your slumbering ancestors could to-day rise from 
their graves, O, how they would bless this dear old church, for what 
their ears here heard and their hearts here felt! 

The Rev. Mr. Graham, about 1819, organized a Sabbath school in 
this church. Hitherto the religious instruction of the young had been 
confined to the families, but now the church, for the first tin^e, enters 
upon this new and most important feature of its work. It would be 
exceedingly interesting to know who were the teachers and what was 
the order of exercises in that school. How far — far has the Sabbath- 
school work grown beyond the expectations of its friends ! This 
church has done a work for education that should be placed on record. 
In its early days, schools and school teachers were scarce, and many 
of the ministers not only preached but taught. The Rev. Alexander 
McDowell was a great teacher. When Dr. Allison went to Philadel- 



THE WORK. 




19 



phia, Mr. McDowell took charge of the Synod's school that was at 
^New-London, and established it on his farm, a mile west of Brick- 
Hill, in this county, where it remained from 1752 to 1767. In 1754, 
the Rev. Matthew Wilson was associated with Mr. McDowell in this 
school, the former teaching the classics and the latter mathematics 
and philosophy. In 1767, Mr. McDowell removed the school to New- 
ark, Del., where it still nourishes. The Eev. James Finley was also 
interested in the work of education, for we read that the Rev. James 
Dunlap, after graduating at Princeton College, studied theology under 
Mr. Finley. The Rev. Francis Hindman, for some years, taught a 
classical school in the large stone house that still stands on the old 
Sharpe property. 

Sons of this Church. This church has been singularly blessed in 
raising up young men for the ministry. The original Latta family, 
that afterwards became so noted for its learned and eloquent preach- 
ers, came from Ireland to this county, about 1739, and settled near 
Elkton. Its heads were no doubt members of this church. Their son 
said they were buried in the Stone Graveyard. 

The Rev. James Latta was born in Ireland in 1732, and came to 
America with his parents. He studied under Dr. Allison, at New- 
London, and most probably under Mr. McDowell, after the removal 
of the Synod's school to this locality. He finally graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania, and was licensed in 1758, by Presbytery 
of Philadelphia. He preached the Gospel for forty-three years, and 
thirty of those years he was pastor of the Chestnut-Level congrega- 
tion. He was a fine scholar, eminent preacher and successful teacher. 
His four sons, Francis Allison, William, John Ewing, and James, were 
all distinguished ministers of the Gospel. 

The Rev. James Dunlap was born in Chester co., Penn., in 1744, of 
pious parents. From the fact that the Dunlap family lived in East- 
Nottingham, and that James Dunlap, after he had graduated at 
Princeton College, studied divinity with the Rev. James Finley while 
pastor of this church, we lay claim to this most distinguished scholar 
and divine, as a son of the Rock. He was ordained by Presbytery of 
New-Castle, in 1781, and went to Western Pennsylvania with Mr. 
Finley, where he spent forty-three years teaching and preaching. For 
nine years he was president of Jefferson College. In 1816, he went 
to reside with his son, the Rev. William Dunlap, pastor of Abington 
Presbyterian Church, where he died in 1818. 

The Rev. Joseph Alexander was the son of Theophilus Alexander, an 
elder of this church, who lived in Cecil co., on the road running from 
Cowantown to Kimbleville, just north of where it crosses the tele- 
graph road to Newark. After graduating at Princeton College, and 
b<nng licensed by New-Castle Presbytery, July 31st 1766, he was or- 
dained by Hanover Presbytery, March 4th, 1768, at Buffalo, Guilford 



20 



co., j^orth Carolina. He spent the greater part of his exceedingly 
useful life teaching and preaching at Bullock's Creek, York District, 
South Carolina. He was a man of commanding talents, fine educa- 
tion, a very animated, popular preacher, and renowned as a teacher of 
youth. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by 
the College of South Carolina, in 1807. During the Revolution he 
was a fearless patriot, and often preached while the men of his church, 
armed to the teeth, guarded his lite. He married a daughter of Pres- 
ident Davies, of Princeton College ; was said to be quite small in 
stature, and lame. He died July 30th, 1809. 

The Rev. John Evans Finley was the oldest son of the Rev. James 
Finley. He also graduated at Princeton College ; most probably 
studied theology with his father, and was ordained at Fagg's Manor, 
Aug. 21st, 1781. After serving Fagg's Manor for twelve years, the 
pastoral relation was dissolved, Oct. 15th, 1793, when he went to 
Bracken, Mason co., Ky. He seems to have been a man after his 
father's heart, full of devotion to the cause. 

The Rev. Francis Hindman belonged to an Irish Family that lived, 
during his boyhood, one mile and a half south-west of Carter's Mills. 
His mother was a member of this church. 

The Rev. William Maffit was a son of Samuel Maflflt, an elder of 
this church. Having been licensed October 9th, 1794, by New-Castle 
Presbytery, he went, April 1st, 1795, to Alexandria, Ya.,in Baltimore 
Presbytery. He had delicate health, and was pastor there for only a 
brief period, when he went to Salina, six miles from Washington, 
and there became principal of a school, which he continued to teach 
for many years. He married twice, each time to a widow Lee, of the 
noted Lee family of Virginia. He died in 1828. 

The Rev. Thomas Miller was born in 1770. His mother was an earn- 
est christian member of this church. At an early age he became an 
active member himself, but was never an elder. About 1808, he joined 
the M. E. church, and in' 1809 entered the ministry of that denomina- 
tion, and for nearly forty years labored most efficiently in Pennsylva- 
nia, Delaware and Maryland, for the extension of his Master's king- 
dom. He died in 1848, and was buried at the Union M. E. Church. 
He left a large family, that have been active supporters of that society 
for many years. The Rev. T. B. Miller, of Philadelphia Conference, 
is a grandson. 

The Rev. Isaac Hall, son of Isaac and Mary Hall, was born July 
11th, 1805. He labored on the farm until he was 18, and then learned 
the carpenter's trade. He joined this church Nov. 3d, 1827, and in 
1830 entered upon his studies for the ministry, in the Manual Labor 
School of the Rev. George Junkin, D.D., at Germantown, Pa. When 
Dr. Junkin, in 1832, went to Easton and founded La Fayette College, 
Mr. Hall, with sixteen other students, followed their beloved teacher. 



21 



He entered Princeton Seminary in 1836, was licensed by Newton 
Presbytery April 24th, 1839, and dismissed to Baltimore Presbytery, 
October 4th. 1842, where he preached for seven years to Franklinville 
and other churches. In 1849 he moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he 
has ever since resided, preaching in various churches as health and 
opportune have permitted. He married, April 29th, 1844, Mrs. Ella 
M. Meng, of Prince Williams co., Ya. Mr. Hall is an earnest christ- 
ian brother, who, amid great physicial difficulties, has striven faithfully^ 
to glorify his Master's name. 

The Rev. James Eeverlin Ramsey, D.D., son of James and Sarah 
Ramsey, was born at Cherry Hill, Cecil co., Md., May 20th, 1814. His 
father died in August, 1820, and soon after his mother moved to the 
stone house across the creek from this church. Her son went to the 
school taught by Master Henry, near Fair Hill. In 1826, his mother 
went to Philadelphia, and for four years her son was a clerk in a lum- 
ber yard. At the age of fourteen he united with the church, and 
began the study of the classics under his pastor. He was two years 
at Germantown Academy, and four years at Easton, graduating, 1836, 
in the first class ever sent out by La Fayette College. That class only 
had three members, and they were all natives of Cecil co., Md., viz. : 
James B. Ramsey, George Kidd, and a Mr. Smithers. He was four 
years at Princeton Seminary. The Presbyter}' of Newton received 
him under its care Oct. 1837, licensed him April, 1840, and dismissed 
him to Second Presbytery of New York, Nov., 1840. On Feb. 14th, 
1841, he was ordained and installed at West Farms, New York ; in 
1846 he became a missionary to the Choctaw Indians, and principal of 
Spencer Academy ; in 1849 he returned to the States, and for five 
years was unable to do much preaching. July 23d, 1854, he was in- 
stalled pastor of New Monmouth, Ya.. In Oct. ,1858, he was installed 
pastor of a church in Lynchburg, Ya., where he labored with great 
success until April, 1870. He died at Lynchburg, July 23d, 1871, 
leaving a widow and one child. Dr. Ramsey was a great man, possess- 
ing a vigorous analytical mind, that was ever thirsting for knowledge 
and truth. He became a most profound scholar. No one stood higher 
in the Synod of Yirginia as a thinker and a preacher. Much of his 
laborious life was devoted to teaching, as well as preaching. His 
writings are valuable. His published works are a sermon on the 
Ruling Elder, a discourse on the Deaconship, Questions on Bible 
Doctrine, and Lectures on Revelation. He was a good man. Although 
fourteen years of age when he joined the church, his mother believed 
that he was born of the Spirit when only six years old. His confi- 
dence in God was implicit and abiding, his love for the church most 
ardent, and his spirit as a christian most humble and child-like. His 
mother was a devoted christian. She gave her son to the Gospel min- 
istry when a child ; and her lovely spirit attended him wherever he 



22 

went, almost to the close of his life, for she died as late as Dec., 1866, 
aged 92 years. His parents were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and at- 
tended this church. Tradition says that his father was accidentally 
killed. His grandfather, William Wilson', graduated at some college 
in Europe, and was a fine classical scholar. After coming to this coun- 
try he engaged in teaching, and was widely known as Old Master Wil- 
son. He was one ofthe assistant surveyors employed in running Mason 
and Dixon's Line. The remains of^both the father and the grand- 
father Wilson repose in the New-Leeds burying-ground. Dr. Ramsey, 
in 1867, with great pleasure to himself, visited in Cecil co. the old 
tramping grounds of his boyhood. 

The Rev. Samuel J. Donnelly was born Sept. 23d, 1829, near Mount 
Rocky M. E. Church, Chester co., Pa. ; was educated at New-London 
Academy, Delaware College, Bangor and Princeton Seminaries, grad- 
uating at the last institution, April, 1863. He united with the Rock, 
on examination, Dec. 5th, 1858, and was ordained as an Evangelist by 
New-Castle Presbytery, in April, 1863, and in May he began laboring 
as stated supply in Hancock, Md. While at Hancock, *he preached 
twelve miles north, in Buck Valley, Fulton co., Pa., where he suc- 
ceeded in building a neat little frame church. He was faithful and 
beloved as a pastor, and instructive as a preacher. His health failed 
and he had to resign his work, 1865. He died of consumption, in 
Washington City, Nov. 15th, 1868, and was buried at Havre-de-Grace, 
Md. His last words were, " I'll trust Him as I go." 

The present pastor came to this locality when six years old ; spent 
his boyhood one mile west of Lewisville, Chester co., Pa.; attended 
Sabbath school and religious services of this house ; joined this church 
Oct. 27th, 1849 ; was never a member of any other church, and has 
been preaching here since the first Sabbath of Nov., 1861. 

Colonies. — Through Mr. Finley's influence, many of the early citi- 
zens of this region, as well as members of the church, settled in 
Western Pennsylvania. In about twenty years, thirty-four families, 
chiefly young married persons connected with this congregation, mi- 
grated to that locality. They being neighbors, and closely related, 
sought settlements near each other, but were unable to do so, and 
had to scatter over a district forty miles long. Thus scattered, they 
united with different churches, and became the very pillars of many 
struggling congregations. They were most efficient men, and, t>y 
their piety, generous efforts and gifts, did a great work in sustaining 
the first ministers of Western Pa. Out of the thirty-four families, 
twenty-two of their heads became elders, among whom were Judge 
Allison, Judge McDowell, James Bradford, Henry Graham, Robert 
Barr, James and Samuel Fleming, John Wright, Robert Moore, John 
Powers, John Allen, and Samuel, Ebenezer, Joseph, Michael and 
William Finley, ail sons of the Rev. James Finley. About the same 



23 



time this colony went West, many families went to North Carolina, 
among them were four sons of Thomas Sharpe, and a number of the 
Alexander family , through the influence of the Kev. Joseph Alexander. 

OLD-TIME CUSTOMS. 

The people were widely scattered, and preachers scarce ; and the 
amount of preaching at any one place, in the year, even though fa- 
vored with a pastor, was small. When they did come together it was 
important to hear as much as possible ; hence the sermons were long, 
usually over an hour, and there were always two of them in a day, 
with au hour or half hour interval. " Taking the Sacrament " was 
a great event, the preparation and attendance alike large. The Thurs- 
day previous was observed as a fast day, with preaching on Friday 
and Saturday, as well as on the Monday following. The communi- 
cants had to provide themselves with small leaden " Tokens," with 
the letter M (member) or initials of the church on them. They gath- 
ered around the long bench-like tables that stood in the aisle, and 
gave in their tokens. The minister then a fenced the table," by deliv- 
ering a most solemn charge to those about to partake of the emblems. 
While the tables were changing, one of the elders lined out the 
Psalm for singing. The salary each one paid was called " stipends ;" 
was expected to be in amount according to the pecuniary circum- 
stances, and was paid on the Monday after the communion. The 
Presbyterian churches of this country for many years sang the 
Psalms of David, as translated by Francis Rouse, of England. The 
Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts were introduced between 1780 
and 1790, and as our ancestors disliked new measures, this great 
change in the psalmody of the church must have awakened much 
feeling and discussion. The singing was congregational, with a 
" precentor, or clerk," standing in front of the pulpit to lead. " Lin- 
ing out the hymns " was a general practice The people, in going to 
church, either rode on horseback or walked. It was nothing unusual 
to walk eight or ten miles to church. The ladies rode on horseback, 
holding the rod and reins in one hand, and a large pan, instead of a 
parasol, in the other. The funerals differed very materially from our 
modern burials. The hearse had only two wheels, with slats nailed 
across the shafts, on which rested a large coffin shaped box, which re- 
ceived the coffin containing the corpse. The coffin was often tied on 
the naked slats. The undertaker either walked or rode one horse 
and led the horse in the shafts. A disgraceful custom was very com- 
mon at those old-time funerals, of treating the people assembled to 
cakes and liquors. They were arranged in a row, and the liquors 
passed along. Often those in front, after the cup had passed them, 
would, for the sake of another cup, slip around and take their station 
in the rear. The last cup taken just before the procession moved off 
was called the " stirrup-cup," because almost everybody rode on 



24. 



horseback in those days. The custom of drinking was at that time not 
only very common, but rather respectable, and yet getting drunk was 
very censurable. Drunkards were numerous, and drunkenness a 
great disturber of the peace of God's house. On the question of tem- 
perance, the church has made great progress in the last half century. 

THE ELDERS. 

Abraham Emmet, Sr., lived near the Delaware line, active in organ- 
izing the church, died 1730. 

Robert Finney lived in Penna., elder until the organization of New 
London. 

Andrew Steele, one of the first elders, probably lived in Penn. 
Robert Linton, commissioner Sept. 14th, 1724, and became elder. 
John Hogg lived near Blue-Ball, was commissioner, and may have 
been an elder. 

Thomas Sharp, Sr., lived near Centre school house, was commis- 
sioner June 28th, 1720, became elder, and died 1749. 

Roger Lawson came from Ireland in 1723, lived at Fair-Hill, died 
1733." . 

John Thompson lived in South-Milforcl, died 1742. 
Rowland Chambers, one of the early elders. 

Robert Mackey lived near the church, appears as elder 1745 and 1769. 
Robert Rowland lived at Brick-Hill, elder forty years, died 1780. 
Theophilus Alexander lived in New-Munster, remarkable for good 
sense, died 1768. 

Amos Alexander, brother of Theophilus, lived in New-Munster, died 
1780. 

Matthew Taylor, died 1784. 

Thomas Sharp, Jr., lived near Centre school house, elder over thirty 
years, died 1785. 

Philip Tanner owned fulling mill where the road from Rock church 
to Hickory Hill crosses little Elk, elder nearly 40 years, daughter 
married Rev. James Power, died 1795. 

Samuel Whan bought White-Hall farm, in 1787, of Rev. James Fin- 
ley, elder as late as 1792. 

George Lawson, grandson of Roger, lived at Fair-Hill, died 1791. 

John Lawson, brother of George, lived at Le wis ville, Penn. 

David Wherry lived near Hickory Hill, Penn., elder many years, 
died 1800. 

Samuel McKeown lived near North-East, died 1804. 

William Mackey lived near the church, was elder in 1792. 

James Mackey, cousin of William, and elder about the same time. 

Samuel Maffii lived near Union M. E. Church; earnest christian, 
elder nearly forty years, died 1815. 

Thomas Maffit, brother of Samuel, lived in North-East, wise, prudent 
and very pious, elder many years, died 1815. 



25 



Samuel Beatty lived in Penn., was "clerk," went west about 1809. 
Andrew Meams, lived near Zion, elder about fifteen years, died 1824. 
James Kilgore lived above Lord's factory, died 1834. 
James Steele lived near Blue Ball, died 1838. 
Joseph Steele, son of James. 

William Cochran lived near Kansas school house, fine scholar, died 
1839. 

William Boone lived where the road from Eock church to Hickory 
Hill crosses Mason and Dixon's line ; moved to Christiana, Penn. 

Robert Christie lived near Centre school house, died 1841. 

William Mackey, nephew of William the elder, lived near the church, 
died 1845. 

William Wherry, son of David the elder, lived near Hickory Hill, 
died 1854. 

Abraham D. Mitchell lived at Fair-Hill, died 1841. 

John Mearns lived near North-East, died 1869, and buried at North- 
East. The three last named elders were ordained Oct. 6th, 1837. 

Mattheio Gallagher lived near Providence paper-mill, ordained July 
9th, 1843, died 1862. 

C. C. Brokaw, Walter Armstrong and James Mackey, ordained Nov. 
9th, 1851. The last named lived near the church on road to Fair-Hill, 
died 1868, buried at Kimbieville, Penn. 

Robert H. Hodgson, ordained June 19th, 1859. 

John T. DeWitt, ordained Nov. 6th, 1870. 

The elders are selected from families that are usually active in the 
church, and it would be interesting had we the facts and the space, to 
record more of their history. How very few of those names once so 
prominent in this church, and familiar in this community, are known 
here to-day ? The Lawsons, the Sharps, the Whans,the Alexanders, 
the Tanners, the Maffits, the Halls, and the Mitchells were large 
families and extensive land-holders, and for manj^ years the chief sup- 
porters of this church, but they have left us and to most of us their 
very names are strange sounds. How soon they that know us shall know 
us no more forever ! The mortal remains of man}' of those fathers 
and mothers in Israel, repose in the Stone and Sharp's graveyards, but 
the precise time of their decease, as well as the location of their 
graves, are unknown. "They rest from their labors, and their works 
do follow them." 

THE EOCK CHURCH IN 1872. 

It was rededicated July 4th. Rev. R. H. Allen, D.D., of Philadel- 
phia, preached at 11 o'clock A.M., from Deut. xxxii. 31 : " For their 
rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges." 
In the dedication, Rev. J. H. Johns made the address, and Rev. A. 
De Witt the prayer. At 2 o'clock P.M., addresses were delivered by 
Rev. R. P. Du Bois, on " The Old Churches of New-Castle Presby- 



26 



tery;" by Rev. A. DeWitt, on "Recollections of My Rock Pastor- 
ate ;" by Rev. J. D. Rigg, of M. E. Church, on " Christian Union ;" 
and by Rev. J. G. Porter, on " Church Building." At 7.30 P.M., this 
Historical Discourse was delivered. 

The present church is a gothic stone building ; has pews of grained 
ash, with walnut trimmings, a walnut pulpit, three chandeliers, and 
stained glass windows ; a most comfortable session house, a very neat 
yard of walls and fences, and seventeen horse sheds. 

It has GO families, 130 members and 100 Sabbath-school scholars. 
The salary and current expenses are raised by the Envelope System, 
which was introduced October 1st, and promises success. This con- 
gregation was never large, nor the mass of its members wealthy ; but 
it has had among its members many devoted christians. The Rock 
has, in its history, had some severe trials, when its friends feared that 
it would never weather the storms or survive the spiritual famine ; 
but it can truly say : "I have been young and now am old, yet have 
I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." 

A son of Thomas Sharp, sr., was a member of the Continental 
Congress. 

In the latter part of the last century, Abraham Mitchell came from 
Lancaster co., Pa., located at Fair Hill, and practiced medicine many 
years. Abraham D. Mitchell, the elder, was his son. His son George 
E. Mitchell was a colonel in the war of 1812, an eminent physician, 
and practised in this community. He was popular as a politician, was 
sent to Congress, died in Washington 1833, and w r as buried in the 
Congressional Cemetery. Arthur W. and Dr. H. H. Mitchell, of Elk- 
ton, are his sons. Captain John Evans, son of Robert Evans, and 
brother-in-law of Rev. James Finley, was a very active and influential 
citizen, a member of this church, lived at the rolling-mill east of 
Cherry Hill, and died March 3d, 1823. His son, Amos Evans, practiced 
medicine in Elktoii, and the Hon. Alexander Evans is a grandson. 

The tall bony frame of Richard Brookens, M.D., was a familiar 
form in the families of this vicinity for years. He died January 9th, 
1852, aged 45 years, and was buried at North-East, Md. 

William Mackey, the elder, who died in 1845, was a general in the 
militia of 1812. 

Old Master Henry and Master James Patton were thorough teach- 
ers, and made lasting impressions on their numerous pupils. Uf ihese 
persons, and many others, we might write with interest ; but our aim 
has been to record a history of the Rock Church, and to confine our- 
selves to the influences acting upon, and exerted by, this religious 
society. We have striven to embalm the memory of the saints of 
other days, and to exhibit the life and labors of this church in its past 
history, with the fond hope that these things may strengthen the 
faith and fire the zeal of God's people in the ages to come. 



APPENDIX. 



A. 

THE CONSTITUTION OF ROCK CHURCH. 

Rock Presbyterian Church, in North Milford Hundred, 

Septwnbsr 5th, 1803. 

In pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, 
for incorporating certain persons in every Christian church or congregation, 
passed November session, 1802, and after public notice given in said congre- 
gation, the heads of families met at their church, the Rev. Samuel Leacock, 
Moderator, and Samuel Maffit, Clerk, constituted with prayer. They having 
read, considered and approved the law, agreed to carry it into effect ; and 
adopted the following rules as the Constitution of their corporation : 

First. That in all gifts, conveyances, or other, instruments of writing be- 
longing to, and for the benefit of said congregation, it shall be known and 
denominated and be distinguished by the Rock Presbyterian Church in North 
Milford Hundred, Cecil county, State of Maryland. 

Secondly. That for the better management of the temporalities of the said 
Rock Presbyterian Church, there shall be a corporation, or body politic, 
vested in a number of trustees, not exceeding nine. That three of said nine 
trustees first named shall go out of office annually, by rotation, and shall be 
replaced by other three persons, to be chosen by the congregation at their 
annual meeting for that purpose. 

Thirdly. That whereas, by the said General Act of Incorporation, the qual- 
ifications of persons to be elected trustees, and to be particularly known and 
described, and whereas, the duties of the deacons mentioned in the Directory, 
or Constitution, authorized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
Church, are transferred to the trustees of this- corporation; Resolved, there- 
fore, that the said trustees shall possess the same qualifications, and be 
received into their office on the same conditions as formerly were the deacons. 

Fourthly. Resolved, that all free white male inhabitants being members of 
said church, and twenty-one years of age, contributing to the support of 
the Gospel in said congregation, shall vote for, and may be voted in as, 
trustees: and that the said free male white inhabitants of the Rock Presby- 
terian Church shall meet on the fifteenth day of this inst., in said church, 
and then and there elect, by ballot, nine of the most sober, sensible and dis- 
creet members of said church ; which nine persons of said church shall be styled 
Trustees of the Rock Presbyterian Church; and that the said trustees, or a 



majority of them, shall be a board to transact all business relative to said cor- 
poration; and that in case of death, removal or resignation of any of the 
trustees, so that the number be reduced under the number of five, then, and 
in that case, after public notice being given in said church, the members of 
said church may meet, as aforesaid, and elect other Trustees to fill the va- 
cancy that may hereafter happen in said congregation. 

Fifthly. We resolve, that a registry shall be made of all the present mem- 
bers of our church and congregation, and also of their children who are 
twenty-one years old, and of all other professing christians who may here- 
after be admitted members of this church by its elders; and that in the said 
registry there shall be a true record made of all baptisms and of all mar- 
riages happening in the bounds of this congregation. Said registry shall be 
kept by the Clerk for the time being, of the said corporation. 

Sixthly. Resolved, that in the first week of September. 1804, and in the 
first week in September annually forever, public notice being first given, the 
members of said church shall there meet, and there elect by ballot, three of 
the most sensible, wise and discreet members of said church, according to 
rule the second. 

Concluded with prayer. 



Rock Presbyterian Church, North Milford Hundred, 

Septsmber 15th, 1803. 

The heads of families of said church met according to public notice given; 
constituted with prayer; Rev. Samuel Leacock, Moderator, Samuel Maffit, 
Clerk; when it appeared, a fair vote being first taken by ballot, that James 
Mackey, Esq., Samuel Maffit, Esq., Robert Cochran, Thomas Maffit, Esq., 
James Mackey, jr., Ebenezer Wherry, Andrew Marns, John McCrery and 
Hugh Guy were duly elected as trustees of the Rock Presbyterian Church 
in North Milford. 

Concluded with prayer. 



State of Maryland, 
Cecil County ; 




Be it remembered, that on the first day of December, 1803, came before us 
Tobs. Rudolph and John Evans, two of the Justices of the Peace for said 
county, Samuel Maffit, Robert Cochran, Thomas Maffit, James Mackey, jr., 
Andrew Marns and John McCrery, trustees, or members of the Corporation 
of the congregation of the Rock Presbyterian Church in North Milford Hun- 
dred, in the county of Cecil aforesaid, and did jointly acknowledge the 
aforegoing plan, agreement or regulations, to be those adopted by the said 
church, pursuant to the Act of Assembly for incorporating certain persons 
in every christian church or congregation in the State of Maryland, passed 
in the session of 1802. 

Tobs. Rudolph, 
John Evans. 



29 



B. 



CHURCH ORGANIZATION, 1872. 



PASTOR, 

Rev. J. Henry Johns. 



RULING ELDERS, 

C. C. Brokaw, 
Walter Armstrong, 

TRUSTEES, 

John McCrery, President, 
C. C. Brokaw, Secretary, 
Dr. S. W. Morrison, Treasurer, 
Walter Armstrong, 



Robert H. Hodgson 
John T. DeWitt. 



Thomas Strahorn, 
James A. Mackey, 
John B. Mackey, 
John T. DeWitt, 



Robert H. Hodgson. 

SEXTON, 

Jonathan Lewis. 



c. 



MEMBERS OF ROCK CHURCH, 1872. 



Rebecca Fulton, 
Catharine Janes, 
Samuel Mearns, 
Sarah Gary, 
James Hodgson, 
Mary McConnell, 
Elizabeth Steele, 
Sophia Simpson, 
John McCrery, 
Walter Armstrong, 
Jane Mackey, 
William Armstrong, 
Catharine Mackey, 
Elizabeth McCleary, 
P. Jane Thompson, 
Emma Armstrong, 
Jacob D. McConnell, 
C. C. Brokaw, 
Phebe Brokaw, 



Sarah Steele, 
Mary J. Armstrong, 
R. H. Hodgson, 
Elizabeth G. Pierce, 
Rachel J. McVey, 
Anna T. DeWitt, 
Anna M. DeWitt, 
Susan J. Bye, 
John T. DeWitt, 
Lydia Tyson, 
Joshua Green, 
Harriet Green, 
Alethe Green, 
Grace Green, 
William H. Brokaw, 
Charles Ramsey, 
Jesse McFadien, 
Anna M. Levis, 
James C. Armstrong, 



30 



Emma L. Brokaw, 
Margaret A. Hodgson, 
Martha E. Holland. 
Martha E. Mackey, 
M. Louisa Mackey, 
Elizabeth Morrison, 
Eliza Mullein, 
Andrew M. Russell, 
Elizabeth M. Yerkes, 
Ellen Johnson, 
Joseph McCullough, 
Margaret J. McCullough, 
Ellen Thomas, 
Victoria Kirk, 
Eliza Levis, 
James Campbell, 
Martha M. Campbell, 
Esther E. Hall, 
Mary Kimble , 
Sarah B. Steele, 
T. Taylor Reynolds, 
Mary A. Reynolds, 
Elizabeth L. Mackey, 
James A. Mackey, 
Elvina Johnson, 
Mary Scarborough, 
Elizabeth Gatcheli, 
Mary R. Mackie. 
Deborah A. Mackey, 
S. Wilmer Morrison, 
Joseph K. Levis, 
Maria E. Hess, 
Sadie H. Morrison, 
Amelia E. Armstrong, 
M. Ella Cole, 
Salina A. Peterson, 
Ida Yerkes, 
Maria A Clemson, 
S. Emma McCleary, 
Mary E. Brown, 
Mary E. Quin, 
Marion Kershaw, 
Sarah M. Warren, 
Margaret A. Gibson. 
Sarah Levis, 
Harriet S. Levis. 



Charlotte P. Mackey, 
Gertrude Strahorn, 
Mary Levis, 
Rebecca Mackey, 
E. A. Garver, 
Thomas Strahorn, 
Sarah Strahorn, 
T.T. Woollens, 
Ruth Woollens, 
John Garver, 
James C. Hume, 
Rebecca L. Blair, 
William C. Alexander, 
Caroline Alexander, 
Henry Gatcheli, 
Margaret Gallagher, 
Margaret A. Moss, 
M. Rebecca Steele, 
John B. Mackey, 
Mary T. Mackey, 
Lavina S. Scott, 
M. Helen Scott, 
Rachel A. Ramsey, 
Annie McDowell, 
Harriet McCrery, 
Albert T. McCrery, 
James McCrerv, 
John H. Kimble, 
Emeline Quin, 
John Halliday, 
Walter A. Huston, 
Samuel Hume, 
Sarah A. Hume, 
Margaret J. Brokaw, 
Joseph R. Jefferis, 
Mary A. D. Jefferis, 
Maria L. McCrea, 
Mary D. S. DeWitt, 
Ella Mackie, 
Harriet Reynolds, 
Elizabeth Duckett, 
Adrianna Reynolds, 
H. Amelia Scott, 
E. Genetta Reynolds, 
Rachel E. Reynolds, 
Anna M. McCauley. 



31 



D. 



PERSONS BURIED IN THE STONE GRAVEYARD, 

LEWISVILLE, CHESTER CO., PA. 



NAME. 


DATE OP DEATH. 


AGE. 






Charlotte Alexander, 


April, 1843, 


60y. 






Susanna Armstrong, 


February 19th, 1818, 


64y. 






James Armstrong, 


October 4th, 1823, 


55v. 






William Armstrong, 


January 20th, 1826, 


72v. 






William Armstrong, 


April 24th, 1826, 


21y. 






John K. Armstrong, 


April 20th, 1827, 






23d. 


Susan J. Armstrong, 


April 22d, 1828, 


14y. 


lm. 25d. 


Amelia Armstrong, 


March 24th, 1831, 


6y. 


5m. 20d. 


William Armstrong, 


June 29th, 1837, 


46y. 




7d. 


Hannah Armstrong, 


October 29th, 1846, 








M. Adelaide Armstrong, 


April 4th, 1853, 


ly. 


10m. 


lid. 


John Armstrong, 


August 31, 1851, 


32y. 


6m. 


12d. 


Carrie M. Armstrong, 


August 23d, 1858, 




9m. 


15d. 


Agnes Armstrong, 


May 9th 1861, 






lid. 


IVTarv A rmStl , OT'|0• 


Jannarv 1st 1871 


95y. 






Anna P) A vrTistrnno" 


Anril 5th 1872 


81v 


lm. 


14d. 


Samuel Alexander, 


September 20th, 1826, 


66y. 






Jane Alexander, 


March 11th, 1819, 


56y. 






Jane Alexander 


March 5th, 1815, 








Tnhn Alpvnnflor 


Julv 1817 










December 26th, 1750, 


28v 






Samuel Cummings, 


September 1st, 1829, 








John Cummings, 


December 2d, 1818, 


33y. 






Richard Cross, 


October 25th, 1796, 


29y. 






William Ewing, 


February 1837, 


75y. 






Andrew Hall, 


January 31st, 1846, 


78y. 






Margaret Hall, 


October 28th, 1853, 


70y. 






Jane Halhoyne, 


December 15th, 1743, 


14y. 






John Hewey, 


May 6th, 1747, 


18y. 






James Hill, 


March 20th, 1746, 


99y. 






Sarah Hill, 


1775, 


46y. 






Jane Hill , 


September 4th, 1831, 


83y. 






James Hill 


October 12th, 1833, 


79y. 






Samuel Hill, 


March 7th, 1815, 


82y. 






Mary Hill, 


April 25th, 1842, 


58y. 







*• 



32 



NAME. 

Rachel Kennedy, 
James Kennedy, 

Roger Lawson, 
George Lawson, 
Jane Lawson, 
Samuel Lowrey, 
Thomas Lowrey, 
William Lowrey, 
James Lowrey, 
Mary Lowrey, 

James Mackey, 
Sarah Mackey, 
James Mackey, 
Ann Mackey, 
William Mackey, 
Jane Mackey, 
Catharine J. Mackey, 
David E. Mackey, 
James Alfred Mackey, 
Rachel J. Mackey, 
James Maffit, 
Mary Maffit, 
Samuel Maffit, 
Thomas Maffit, 
Ann Maffit, 
Sarah Maffit, 
Mary Maffit, 
John S. Maffit, 
Anna M. Maffit, 
Margaret E. Maffit, 
Hugh Mahaffey, 
M. Fulton McConnell, 
Emma McCreary, 
Andrew Mearns, 
James Meadian, 
Joseph Mahaffey, 
Mary Mahaffey, 
Jane Maffit Mearns, 
Jane McCracken, 
James McCracken, 
Mary McCracken, 
Samuel Moore, 
Agnes Moore, 



DATE OF DEATH. 


AGE. 






April 30th, 1844, 


59y. 


4m. 25d. 


December 20th, 1848, 


64y. 


lm. 


12d. 


1733, 








1791, 








October 24th, 1754, 


46y. 






1820, 








1828, 


25y. 






1829, 


24y. 






1850, 


76y. 






1858, 


77y. 






June 24th, 1834, 


70y. 






November 23d, 1836, 


65y. 






June 5th, 1847, 


58y. 






October 25th, 1824, 


30y. 






April 7th, 1845, 


58y. 


3m. 


4d. 


January 13th, 1828, 


34y. 






August 20th, 1824, 




10m. 




March 18th, 1825, 


8y. 






October 1st, 1837, 


18y. 


6m. 


9d. 


March 7th, 1865, 


65y. 


3m. 


14d. 


1806, 


32y. 






June 30th, 1806, 


59y. 


5m. 




May 31st, 1815, 


73y. 






January 25 th, 1815, 


76y. 






April 29th, 1823, 


77y. 






February 20th, 1849, 


67y. 






February 14th, 1857, 


81y. 






April 29th, 1851, 


79y. 






March 29th, 1858, 


57y. 






May 31st, 1871, 


64y. 






November 18th, 1749, 


26y. 






August 19th, 1845, 


31y. 






August 30th, 1849, 


6y. 






October 31st, 1824, 


68y. 






1748, 


37y. 






September 3d, 1836, 


31y. 






March 2d, 1857, 


76y. 






March 4th, 1859, 


79y. 






February 16th, 1865, 


82y. 






August 12th, 1857, 


67y. 


4m. 


16d. 


June 23d, 1857, 


73y. 


2m. 


13d. 



4 



33 



NAME. 

Esler Moore, 
Rebecca Moore, 

John Null, 



DATE OP DEATH. 

April 1823, 
June 1830, 

1828 



19y. 6m. 5d. 
2y. lm. 5d. 

3y. 



Oglesbeys, 
Oglesbeys, 



1757, 
1728, 



57y. 
2v. 



Mary Rankin, 
Wallace Riney, 

Jane Sherer, 
Martha M. Sherer, 
Mary Speak, 
Archibald Steele, 
James Steele, 
Elizabeth Steele, 
Joseph Steele, 
Samuel Steele, 
Alexander Steele, jr., 
Rachel A. Steele, 
David Steele, 
Jane Steele. 



February 23d, 1851, 
August 7th, 1750, 

1849, 

April 7th, 1861, 
1837, 

June 20th, 1745, 
November 30th, 1838, 
August 22d, 1837, 
May 16th, 1840, 
January 29th, 1842/ 
February 7th, 1849, 
January 24th, 1855, 
September 1858, 
October 1854. 



36v. 

45y. 
63y. 
70y. 
28y. 

95y. 9m. 6d. 
82y. 9m. 5d. 

2d. 

20y. 2m. 8d. 
14y. lm. 
65y. 
70y. 



Anna Tanner, 
Mary Tanner, 
Philip Tanner, jr., 
Elizabeth Tanner, 
Philip Tanner, sr., 
Elizabeth Tanner, 
Hugh Tanner, 
Margaret Tyson, 
Nathan Tyson, 

Jane Wilson, 
Ann Wilson, 
John F. Wilson, 
John Wilson, 
Matthew Wilson, 
David Wayye, 



June 6th, 
March 17th, 
August 13th, 
August 25th, 
May 1st, 
November 8th, 
December 9th, 
June 8th, 
June 13th, 



1759, 
1761, 
1781, 
1781, 
1795, 
1797, 
1797, 
1859, 
1871, 



February 26th, 1747, 
May 11th, 1828, 
January 31st, 1842, 
July 26th, 1844, 
January 10th, 1838, 
1743, 



15y. 
64y. 
28y. 
30y. 
78\. 
81y. 
41y. 
62y. 
79y. 

38y. 
30y. 
48y. 
82y. 
75y. 
73y. 



34 



E. 



PERSONS BURIED IN SHARP'S GRAVEYARD, 

FAIR HILL, CECIL CO., MD. 



NAME. 


DATE OF DEATH. 


AGE. 






Martha Abernatha, 


July 23d, 1815, 


lly. 






Esther Abernatha, 


November 21st, 1815, 


5y. 






James Abernatha, 


February 23d, 1860, 


81y. 






Elizabeth Abernatha, 


March 25th, 1862, 


76y. 






Elizabeth Alexander, 


May 4th, 1859, 


50y. 






Sarah Alexander, 


April 17th, 1842, 


4y. 






W. A. Alexander, 


May 17th, 1841, 


2y. 






Catharine Alexander, 


May 20th, 1814, 


78y. 






Andrew Alexander, 


November 26th, 1840, 


73y. 






Joseph Alexander, 


July 10th, 1860, 


84y. 






Amos P. Alexander, 


October 6th, 1835, 


4y. 






Walker J. Alexander, 


October 19th, 1851, 


2y- 






Eliza Alexander, 


February 6th, 1851, 


47y 


9m. 22d. 


Thomas Alexander, 


July 18th, 1864, 


69y. 


lm. 


lid. 


John T. Alexander, 


May 23d, 1853, 


25y. 


3m. 


Id. 


Samuel C. Alexander, 


February 1st, 1858, 


23y. 


2m. 


13d. 


Wilmer A. Alexander, 


December 26th, 1864, 




6m. 


16d. 


John T. Alexander, 


February 25th, 1866, 




4m. 20d. 


Margaret A. Alexander, 


January 23d, 1866, 


25v. 


lm. 


9d. 


Elizabeth H. Blackburn, 


August 31st, 1847, 


48y. 






Mary Blackburn. 


October 18th, 1847, 


85y. 






Jane Blackburn 


February 22d, 1859, 


63v. 






Julia L. T. Brokaw, 


September 9th, 1855, 


22v. 


6m. 




John B. Campbell, 


August 18th, 1852, 


5y- 






David L. Campbell, 


July 21st, 1847, 


2y- 






Mary Chapman, 


October 15th, 1861, 


29y. 






Robert Christy, 


November 30th, 1841, 


75y. 






Elizabeth Christy, 


March 9th, 1849, 


84y. 






Robert Christy, jr., 


May 20th, 1856, 


51y. 






Thomas Cochran, 


October 14th, 1833, 








William Cochran, 


April 28th, 1839, 








Robert Cochran, 




80y. 






Elizabeth Cochran, 




80y. 






Joseph Cochran, 




25y. 






Sarah Cochran, 




20y. 






Ann R. Collom, 


1827, 


4y. 







35 



NAME. 

James Cowan, 
Joseph Cowan, 
David Cowan, 
David Cowan, 
John Cowan, sr., 
Martha Cowan, 
William B. Cowan, 
John Cowan, 
Mary Cowan, 

Mary A. DeWitt, 
Sarah A. Dixon, 
John Duncan, 

Albert E wing, 
Ann Ewing, 

James Finley, jr., 
George A. Fulton, 
Andrew J. Fulton, 
Lydia S. Ferguson, 

William H. Gallagher, 
Matthew Gallagher, 
Letitia Gallagher, 
Andrew Gibson, 
Mary A. Gibson, 
Sarah A. Gibson, 
Andrew A. Gibson, 
William Gibson, 
Catharine Gibson, 
John Gibson, 
William Gibson, 
John Gibson, 
Lydia Gibson, 
Anna M. Green, 
Harriet Green, 
Harriet Green, 
W. Price Green, 
William Geery, 
Ann Geery, 
Hugh Geery, 

Mary A. Harper, 
Elizabeth R. Hall, 



DATE OE DEATH. 

July 20th, 1824, 
August 15th, 1825, 
August 1826, 
October 1826, 
October 4th, 1833, 
December 10th, 1846, 
August 10th, 1849, 
December 12th, 1850, 
September 16th, 1861, 

January 29th, 1851, 
November 21st, 1835, 
June 1854, 

February 1828, 
1832, 

November 17th, 1772, 
July 26th, 1858, 
January 19th, 1844, 
January 29th, 1866, 

September 1846/, 
April 15th, 1862, 
January 8th, 1866, 
July 29th, 1860, 
November 9th, 1857, 
May 2d, 1851, 
August 11th, 1864, 
September 16th, 1851, 
June 22d, 1858, 
August 13th, 1843, 
March 11th, 1858, 
February 2d, 1871, 
August 4th, 1871, 
December 24th, 1846, 
December 17th, 1847, 
June 12th 1864, 
December 1865, 
September 19th, 1824, 
January 10th, 1841, 
March 7th, 1841, 

July 5th, 1863, 
January 1866, 



AGE. 

25y. 
18y. 
80y. 
65y. 
77y. 

38y. 7m. 9d. 

45y. 

75y. 

8y. 

ly. 3m. 
70y. 

iy. 

42y. 



4y. 

67y. 
15y. 
36y. 

lly. 6m. 

65y. 

67y. 

75y. 

58y. 

21y. 

25y. 

61y. 

61y. 7m. 29d. 
23y. 2m. 19d. 
31y, 10m. 8d. 
70y. 

24y. 10m. 

3d. 

6y. 

54y. 
29y. 
28y. 
67y. 
72y. 

21y. 
70y. 



36 



NAME. 

Ann Hall, 
Mary A. Hill, 
Robert Hodgson, 
Sarah Hodgson, 
James Hodgson, 
Margaret Hodgson, 
James B. Hodgson, 
Elizabeth G. Hodgson, 
Mary E. Hodgson, 
George GL Hodgson, 
James Hunter, 
Esther D. Hunter, 
Robert J. Hughes, 
Martha J. Hughes, 
Rebecca E. Hughes, 
Frank Hughes, 
Elizabeth Hughes, 
William C. Hughes, 
Carrie V. Hughes, 
Robert Hughes, 
Martha Hughes, 
Margaret J. Hughes, 

Lewis J. Jones, 
Rachel Jones, 
John Johnson, 

Sarah Karr, 
William Karr, 
Ann Karr, 
Robert Karr, 
Catharine Karr, 
Eleanor Kimble, 

John La Tourrette, 
Walter A. Levis, 
Amanda Levis, 

David Mackey, 
David Mackey, 
Emeline Mackey, 
Wallace Mackey, 
John Maffit, 
John H. Maffit, 
Anna Maffit, 



DATE OF DEATH. 


AGE. 






November 1855, 








February 4th, 1846, 


58y. 






January 3d, 1846, 


79y. 






October 28th, 1827, 


59y. . 






June 10th, 1837, 


67y. 






October 22d, 1821, 


46y. 






June 7th, 1833, 


33y. 






April 18th, 1845, 


48y. 






September 10th, 1851, 


22y. 






October 1855, 


21y. 






May 26th, 1846, 


62y. 






January 2d, 1855, 


70y. 






September 1842, 


ly. 






February 17th, 1851, 


37y. 






June 20th, 1854, 


18y. 






November 12th, 1855, 


3y- 






September 12th, 1857, 


2y. 






1859, 


iy- 






October 2d, 1863, 


2y. 






January zza, looO, 


79y. 


8m. 


22d. 


February 19th, 1851, 


82y. 


3m. 


14d. 


February 3d, 1850, 


41y. 


5m. 21d. 


June 9th, 1855, 


50y. 






June 5th, 1866, 


62y. 






March 25th, 1851, 


88y. 






September 13th, 1802, 


tfy- 






January 31st, 1817, 


25y. 






April 11th, 1822, 


27y. 






January 11th, 1842, 


82y. 






March 1st, 1844, 


84v. 






December 14th, 1849, 


25v. 


6m. 




August 3d, 1860, 


91y. 






October 12th, 1866, 


2y- 






September 30th, 1872, 


23y. 






March 1st, 1851, 


iy. 






October 29th, 1863, 


53y. 






December 25th, 1843, 


29y. 






December 1861, 


74y. 11m. 




May 7th, 1825, 


55y. 






September 1st, 1833, 


24y. 






January 19th, 1872, 


87y. 


6m. 


9d. 



37 



NAME. 

Rev. George Marshall, 
Isabella Marshall, 
William Marshall, 
Georgiana L. Marshall, 
John McCleary, 
Ann McCleary, 
Jacob P. McCleary, 
Ann J. McCleary, 
Sophia McCrery, 
Sarah J. McCrery, 
Ann McCullough, 
Andrew H. Mearns, 
John M. Mearns, 
Hugh T. Mearns, 
Hugh Mearns, 
^ancy Mearns, 
Sarah Mearns, 
William McCauley, 
William Milligan, 
Margaret Milligan, 
Margaret E. Milligan, 
Abraham D. Mitchell, 
Jane T. Mitchell, 
Ephraim T. Mitchell, 
A. David Mitchell, 
Martha Moore, 
George Mullein, 
George B. Miller, 
Hannah M. McCauley, 
James T. McCauley, 

William G. Neals, 

Martha Pierce, 
Mary J. Perry, 
Matthew Perry, 
Susan Perry, 
Robert H. Powel, 
William Perry, 
Mary Perry, 
James Perry, 
John Perry, 
Sarah Perry, 
Ann Peterson, 
Tobias Peterson, 



DATE OF DEATH. 


AGE. 






February 27th, 1861, 


30y. 






April 8th, 1864, 


29y. 






January 29th, 1860, 




2m. 




February 20th, 1862, 




6m. 




August 16th, 1835, 


60y. 






December 21st, 1863, 


76y. 






September 30th, 1847, 


iy- 


4m. 




April 20th, 1842, 


2 y- 






March 30th, 1855, 


48y. 






February 26th, 1864, 


25y. 






September 15th, 1855, 


80y. 






June 25th, 1822, 


iy- 


4m. 


5d. 


September 2d, 1849, 


26y. 


8m. 


5d. 


April 13th, 1850, 


Sly. 


2m. 


19d. 


September 6th, 1862, 


65y. 






January 14th, 1859, 


65y. 






May 12th, 1864, 


69y. 


9m. 


4d. 


September 26th, 1852, 


24y. 






June 20th, 1858, 


57y. 






July 19 th, 1871, 


74y. 






A • 1 I j 1 ~% Ci 4 1 

April 4th. 1841, 


5y- 






December 6th, 1841, 


55y. 






June 21st, 1851, 


Sly. 






May 11th, 1864, 


45y. 






October 30th, 1864, 


31y. 






January 5th, 1853, 


69y. 






February 4th, 1867, 


68 v. 






June 23d, 1864, 


57y. 


7m. 


2d. 


Mnvrh 31st 185Q 


°y- 


1 m 




January 25th, 1868, 


9y. 


4m. 


24d. 


December 27th. 1868, 


22y. 


8m. 


7d. 


April 16th, 1854, 


42y. 






1817, 


4y. 






1819, 


70y. 






1834, 


43y. 






January 1753, 


64y. 






April 13th, 1831, 








April 9th, 1838, 


56y. 






October 6th, 1810, 


8y- 






January 20th, 1849, 


4iy- 






July 16th, 1842, 


24y. 


11m. 




December 27th, 1859, 


78y. 






March 5th, 1867, 


83v. 







/ 



38 



NAME. 

John Phillips 
Lillie W. Quinti, 

Rebecca Ramsey, 
Rebecca Ramsey, 
Mary Ramsey, 
Thomas Ramsey, 
Martha Ramsey, 
Margaret A. Ramsey, 
James S. Ramsey, 
Catharine Ramsey, 
Sarah Ramsey, 
William Robinson, 
Margaret Robinson, 
Isabella Rowland, 
Robert Rowland, 

Mary A. Scarborough, 
Sarah Ann Scott, 
Mary Ellen Scott, 
Philip Scott, 
Emeline Scott, 
W. Thompson Scott, 
Richard E. Scott, 
Joseph Sentman, 
Joseph Sentman, jr., 
Jesse C. Sentman, 
Mary S. Sentman, 
Sarah A. Sentman, 
Johnston P. Sentman, 
Mary Sentman, 
Thomas Sharpe, jr., 
John Y. M. Staats, 
John Strawbridge, 
Jane Strawbridge, 
Martha Sherer, 
Mary Ann Steele, 
Mary R. Steele, 
George P. Sutton, 
Thomas P. Sutton, 
Elizabeth Sutton, 

Matthew Taylor, 
Hannah Thompson , 



DATE OP DEATH. 


AGE. 






1824, 


24y. 






September 15th, 1870, 


5y. 






February 5th, 1841, 


24y. 


5m. 


2d. 


December 16th, 1842, 


52y. 


3m. 18d. 


June 17th, 1843, 


32y. 


7m. 


Id. 


May 17th, 1849, 


61y. 






August 18th, 1851, 


30y. 


8m. 


2d. 


November 10th, 1852, 


20y. 


2m. 


28d. 


January 25th, 1866, 


82y. 


2m. 28d. 


October 18th, 1867, 


76y. 


4m. 25d. 


December 6th, 1869, 


84y. 






1824, 


70y. 






1844, 


90y. 






December 22d, 1779, 


73y. 






September 22d, 1780, 


85y. 






April 23d, 1863, 


32y. 


10m. 


9d. 


January 1837. 








1838, 


30y. 






January 1856, 


48y. 






February 20th, 1860, 


22y. 






December 8th, 1865, 


33y. 






July 21st, 1865, 




6m. 




April 1st, 1842, 


52y. 






February 25th, 1849, 


32y. 






October 28th, 1854, 


28y. 






March 12th, 1855. 




lm. 




February 16th, 1858, 


3y. 






September 7th, 1864, 


15y. 






August 31st, 1865, 


78y. 






November 11th, 1785, 


67y. 






August 26th, 1852, 


5y. 






July 31st, 1768. 








April 7th, 1799, 








July 17th, 1864, 


63y. 






December 28th 1849, 


5y. 






July 5th, 1872, 




5m. 


28d. 


September 23d, 1847, 






8d. 


June 15th, 1855, 


52y. 






August 13th, 1858, 


55y. 






February 1st, 1784, 


77y. 






September 4th, 1847, 


61y. 


lm 


27d. 



39 



NAME. 

John Thompson, 
George Thompson, 

William Vin singer, 
Ruth A. Vinsinger, 

David Wherry, 
Margaret Wherry, 
Isabella Wherry, 
Ebenezer Wherry, 
Mary Wherry, 
Margaret M. Wherry, 
Hannah J. Wherry, 
Henrietta M. Wherry, 
Ann E. Wherry, 
William Wherry, 
Sarah A. Wherry, 
Margaret A. Wherry, 
William C. Wherry, 
Lydia Wherry, 



DATE OF DEATH. 


AGE. 




i ebruary 14th, 185/ , 


86y. 


2m. 


January 25th, 1867, 


55y. 


7m. 


Uecember z/tn, lobo, 


53y. 




"TV X /iJ-1 T O T\ 

May 4th, 18/0, 


32y. 




July 7th, 1800, 


83y. 




January 5th, 1807, 






May 2rfci, 1 /oO, 


32y. 




lVlay otn, lozy, 


bly. 




iNo member 2u, 1843, 


67y. 




May 2ytn, io4o, 


34y. 




May otn, 1850, 


35y. 




May 27 tn, 1851 , 






May 2/ til, loot , 


9y. 




± ebruary /tn, loo4, 


84y. 




in o vemoei zotn, io^-o, 


oyy. 


oin. 


April 22d, 1857, 


40y. 




February 15th, 1857, 


17y. 




March 13th, 1862, 


87y. 


8m. 



Ekrata.— On pages 16 and 18, the name there printed Rev. Abraham Delbitt should 
read Rev. Abraham De Witt. 
On page 23, in 33d line, the word pans should read fans. 



A WORLD LEADER ,N p AOfWe 

^1 Thomson Pa^ g^ 

(724) 779-21 11 



s 



